Illinois Basketball: Top 5 opponents from 2023-24 non-conference schedule
Illinois Basketball once again has some marquee opponents to face in the upcoming nonconference schedule. Who is the toughest among them?
Last season, Illinois Basketball went 9-2 in the non-conference portion of its schedule. Those were losses to Virginia and Missouri, who both made the NCAA Tournament. They also had two of the best wins of any team outside of league play, beating both Texas and UCLA. Both of those wins held up nicely for the Illini, carrying them to a single-digit seed.
Illinois is hoping for some more non-con success in 2023. The schedule is out and they’re set to be part of a few nationally-televised games. Here’s a look at the top five opponents to watch for.
5. (H) Colgate Raiders – Nov 27th
One of the most consistent mid-major programs in NCAA Basketball, Colgate returns multiple key pieces from a 26-win squad. Forward Keegan Records is the early favorite for Patriot League Player of the Year, while Branden Smith is back after averaging 11.6 ppg and 4.4 apg as a freshman. The Raiders are very capable for a “buy game” opponent.
4. (A) Missouri Tigers – Dec 22nd
The Illini will be looking for revenge on the road in the latest edition of the rivalry battle. It’s a completely different roster at Missouri, now that both Kobe Brown and D’Moi Hodge are gone. In their place is 7’3 center Connor Vanover, who was the Summit League Defensive Player of the Year at Oral Roberts. And they bring in a trio of good transfer guards to the rotation, including 14 ppg guard John Tonje from Colorado State. There’s potential with this squad but there’s a lot unproven.
3. (N) Florida Atlantic Owls – Dec 5th
The Owls were one of the biggest surprises in the sport last season, winning 35 games and making their first-ever Final Four. And they bring just about everyone back, including the star guard duo of Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin. This is part of the Jimmy V Classic doubleheader in Madison Square Gardner and will be the biggest regular-season matchup in program history for FAU.
2. (H) Tennessee Volunteers – Dec 9th
The Vols lost a couple of key pieces in Julian Phillips and Olivier Nkamhoua. Still, the team brings back leading scorer Santiago Vescovi, along with starting point guard Zakai Zeigler. And Tennessee also brought in a pair of legit transfers in Dalton Knecht and Jordan Gainey to provide more scoring production. If forwards Tobe Awaka and Jonas Aidoo can take another leap in the frontcourt, this will be a Final Four contender and a favorite in the SEC.
1. (H) Marquette Golden Eagles – Nov 14th
Marquette won 29 total games last season and won both the Big East regular season and conference tournaments. They essentially return everyone from the rotation outside of forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper, though Big East 6th Man of the Year David Joplin can simply replace his production.
Next. Illinois among teams with position battles. dark
Leading scorer Kameron Jones (15.1 ppg), along with reigning Conference Player of the Year guard, Tyler Kolek. While UConn and Creighton have top-tier rosters with title aspirations, the Golden Eagles should be viewed as a favorite to repeat as league favorites.